Learn More about Different Types of Airfare!

Airlines usually offer better fares to people who book in advance, as they are trying to encourage travelers to book as early as possible. If airlines tended to decrease fares before the flight time, there would be a flood of customers at the last minute. However, airlines need an accurate estimate of the number of people and amount of baggage on a flight so that they are able to load the proper amount of fuel, meals and beverages.

Besides, people booking at the last minute are often flying on business, and therefore the business is paying for it. Travelers flying for pleasure usually know weeks or months in advance, and more often can't afford the prices a business can. Therefore, it is to an airline's benefit to set rates according to the main differences between leisure and business travelers:

Business travelers mostly fly between 9 and 5, while leisure travelers can fly in the off peak hours.
Business travelers usually don't stay over a weekend, while leisure travelers do.
Business travelers purchase tickets very little time before the flight, while leisure travelers plan trips in advance.

So, airlines often offer discounts to travelers who stay over a weekend, fly off peak hours, and buy tickets 7, 14, 21 or 30 days in advance. Such fares are called discount, excursion, or supersaver fares.

For international discount fares, also known as apex fares, you must book at least 21days in advance, and you may have to buy the tickets at the time of the reservation. Minimum stay is typically from 7 to 10 days, while maximum stay can last from 3 months to a year. Midweek travel is usually less expensive, with fares often depending on the season.

For many airlines the discount fares depend on the date of the first leg of the trip. The price doesn't change no matter when the return flight is. Though, for some of the lowest fares there is a 30-day maximum stay. Staying more than 30 days may increase the fare by about 25%.

It also matters when you make the reservation. If you make it for an off peak flight but during the peak season, you may be charged the peak rates. After the holidays some airlines lower their discount fares in order to attract customers, so may often get a better fare by making your reservation right after the holidays.

In addition to the Saturday night stay requirement, many airlines now give additional discounts for travel midweek when a Saturday night stay is involved. Some also offer discounts for travel on Saturdays. When making your reservation with the assistance of an airline ticket agent or a travel agent, always ask for the lowest possible fare. Tell them that your time and date are flexible, and you would like to know what the low fare is.